Wrap-around plug-in timer



1967 H. T. SIMMONS ETAL.

WRAP-AROUND PLUG-IN TIMER Filed March 22, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet lINVENTORS HAROLD T SIMMONS STEPHEN F MURRAY ATTORNE V/im 1967 H. T.SIMMONS ETAL 3,30

WRAP-AROUND PLUG-IN TIMER Filed March 22, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG 4INVENTORS HAROLD 7. S/MM STE PHEN F MURRAY ATTORNE F 6 v H. 'r. SIMMONSETAL 3,

WRAP-AROUND PLUG-IN TIMER Filed March 22, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5INVENTORS HAROLD 7.' SIMMONS STEPHEN F MURRAY ATTORNEY of switches atprogrammed United States Patent Office 3,306,996 WRAP-AROUND PLUG-INTIMER Harold T. Simmons and Stephen F. Murray, Indianapolis, Ind.,assignors to P. R. Mallory & Co. Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., a corporationof Delaware Filed Mar. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 441,678 15 Claims. (Cl.200-38) The present invention relates to a control timer, moreparticularly to a novel plug-in control timer for sequentially engagingand disengaging the contacts of a plurality intervals of time during aselected cycle. The plug-in timer is designed so as to be used withcommercially available multiple cavity receptacles. The plug-in terminalassemblies, that is, modules means of the control timer are locatedthereon so as to insure a minimum sacrifice of space yet provided themeans for making plug-in connections with the commercially availablemultiple cavity receptacles.

Control timers, sometimes known as sequential timers, are known and havereceived commercial acceptance in the control of the sequence ofoperations used to actuate electrical appliances such as washingmachines, dishwashers, dryers and the like. As refinements areintroduced in the electric appliance field thereby making the appliancemore commercially acceptable by the public at large, the need arises tomodify the presently available control timer so as to provide a controltimer capable of actuating increased numbers of electrical circuitryoperatively associated with the appliance. However, it is desired thatthe control timer be physically small and compact. It is seen the needarises for a more accurate, simple, etficient, and effective sequentialtimer capable of handling increased numbers of electrical circuits. Inaddition, if the control timer could be easily removed from theappliance, repair thereof is facilitated thereby substantially reducingthe cost of maintaining the appliance on an operational basis.

If the control timer must occupy a physical space less than that of theseveral presently available prior art timers and yet incorporate thereina plug-in characteristic, design problems of magnitude are encountered.One of the foremost design problems being to locate a plurality ofexternal terminals providing the plug-in feature and still provide acontrol timer having a thin outline. By the accompanying drawings andspecifications the novel means and method whereby the present inventionfulfills the required purpose will be disclosed.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a controltimer with a module means so that the control timer may be used withcommercially available multiple cavity receptables. Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a novel control timer whereinsprings and terminals are integral to substantially eliminate theproblem of loose connections.

A further object of the present inventionis to provide a control timerwherein all bussing between follower switch means may be accomplishedafter assembly of the control timer.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a controltimer wherein a drive means is positioned between module means so as tobe readily serviceable without removing the control timer from theappliance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple,eflicient, effective, and accurate plug-in control timer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rotatabledrum-shaped switch actuating means that is of unitary constructionthereby facilitating fabrication thereof.

3,306,996 Patented Feb. 28, 1967 A further object of the presentinvention is to provide a control timer having optimum reliabilitycharacteristics afforded by a compact construction having a minimumnumber of parts.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novelplug-in control timer usable in shallow depth locations.

The present invention in another of its aspects, relates to the novelfeatures of the instrumentalities of the invention described herein forteaching the principal object of the invention and to the novelprinciples employed in the instrumentalities whether or not thesefeatures and principles may be used in the said object and/ or in thesaid field.

With the aforementioned objects enumerated, other objects will beapparent to those persons possessing ordinary skill in the art. Otherobjects will appear in the following description, appended claims, andappended drawings. The invention resides in the novel construction,combination, arrangement, and cooperation of elements as hereinafterdescribed and more particularly as defined in the appended claims.

The appended drawings illustrate the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention constructed to function in the most advantageous modes devisedfor the practical application of the basic principles involved in thehereinafter described invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the novel plug-in control timer of thepresent invention.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the plug-in control timer withselected parts removed to illustrate the location of the escapementmeans and the follower switch means of the plug-in module means.

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the control timer of FIG- URE 1 partially cutaway illustrating the follower switch means cooperatively associatedwith the drum-shaped, unitary rotatable switch actuating means.

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional side view of the control timer takenacross the lines 44 of FIGURE 3 illustrating the cooperativerelationship of various components of the timer.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the follower arm of the followerswitch means used as a component of the present invention.

FIGURE 6 illustrates the means and method utilized to join thecomponents of the follower switch means to a terminal block 'means ofthe module means.

FIGURE 7 illustrates the modue means wherein various terminals of aplurality of follower switch means are bussed therebetwee f FIGURE 8 isa cross sectional view of the module means taken across the lines 8-8 ofFIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 illustrates the module means of FIGURE 7 wherein the bus wireshave been fabricated so as to bus between other. follower switchterminals.

FIGURE 10 shows the'means and method by which the drum-shaped switchactuating means and the actuator shaft are joined.

Generally speaking, the means and methods of the present inventionrelate to a control timer. The control timer is used for sequentiallyengaging and disengaging the contacts of a plurality of followerswitches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle. Anintermittently driven drum-shaped switch actuating means includes aplurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship.The channels include coded indicia, preferably rise and fall contours. Aplurality of plug-in module means, that is, plug-in terminal assemblymeans include a plurality of follower switches. Each of the followerswitches includes contact carrying blade means and a contact carryingfollower arm means. Each of the follower arm means rides in itsrespective channel and is biased into engagement with or disengagementwith the contact carrying blade means in accordance with the contours ofthe channel. An axially positionable shaft is rotatably coupled to thedrum-shaped means. A line switch actuating means is cooperativelyassociated With the shaft for electrically connecting the plug-incontrol timer means to the line switch means as the shaft is depressedaxially.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel plug-incontrol timer. A drive means having a constant rotary motion output hasits output coupled to an escapement means. The escapement meanstranslates the constant rotary motion output of the drive means to anintermittent rotary motion. A unitary, drum-shaped switch actuatingmeans is coupled to and intermittently driven by the escapement means.The drum-shaped switch actuating means includes a plurality ofcircumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship- Each of thechannels includes rise and fall contours. A plug-in module means, thatis, a plug-in terminal assembly means, is mounted on each side of thedrive means. The module means comprises a block means including aplurality of U-shaped apertures, a pair of projections and a pluralityof follower switches. The follower switches have a contact carryingblade means which includes a terminal means and a contact carryingmember and the terminal means interfits with the U-shaped apertures soas to bias the contact carrying member against the cooperativelyassociated projection. The contact carrying follower arm means includesa terminal means and a contact carrying member. The terminal means is atan angle with the contact carrying member. Interfitting with a U-shapedaperture is the terminal means. The terminal means is biased toward thecontact member of the blade means. A figure 4-shaped follower is carriedby the follower arm and the follower rides in a channel of thedrum-shaped means. The follower arm is biased into engagement with ordisengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance withthe contours of the channel. An axially positionable shaft is rotatablycoupled to the drumshaped means. The shaft carries a splined actuatormeans. A line switch actuating means is cooperatively associated withthe splined actuator means for electrically connecting the plug-incontrol timer means to a line switch means as the shaft is depressedaxially.

Referring now to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodimentof the present invention, it is seen that the plug-in control timermeans is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The control timerin cludes a drive means such as electric motor 11 or the of the electricmotor to an intermittent or step-by-step rotary motion output. Theescapement means utilized in the present invention is substantially theescapement means disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,916,923 issued to Smithet al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.Since the escapement means is described in a prior patent and sinceother suitable escapement means-may be used, a detailed illustration anddescription of the escapement means has been omitted from the disclosurein the interest of a clearer showing of the inventive portion of theplug-in control timer. Suffice it to say that the escapement meansutilized in the present invention translates the constant rotary motionoutput of the electric motor to'an intermittent'or step-b'y-step rotarymotion output.

Stud 19 includes a sleeve 20 that is fixedly coupled to the mainmounting frame by any suitable means such as by welding or the like. Thestud serves as a seat for the escapement means. A first cam 20 and asecond cam 21 are fixedly coupled to main gear 18 so as to be rotatablydisplaced therewith.- A first T-shaped arm 22 is pivotably coupled tothe main mount ing frame by any suitable means such as rivet 24. A firstextremity (not shown) of the T-shaped arm 22 rides on the periphery ofcam 20, thereby following the rise and fall contours of the cam. It isseen that a fall contour of the cam would cause the T-shaped arm to bedisplaced toward stud 19 whereas a rise contour of the integraltherewith, is

cam would cause the T-shaped arm to be displaced away like which ismechanically coupled to a pinion (not shown) by any suitable means suchas by force fitting with a shaft (not shown) of the motor or the like.The pinion is displaced in the clockwise direction with a substantiallyconstant rotary motion. The electric motor is fixedly mounted on mainmounting frame 12 by a plurality of spacer posts 13 of the electricmotor. The spacer posts are coupled to the main mounting frame by anysuitable coupling means such as threaded nuts or the like. The spacerposts and a raised stamped portion 14 of the main mounting framepredeterminately locate the drive means so that the pinion of the drivemeans meshes with and rotatably drives a speed reduction gear 15 mountedon the main mounting frame. The speed reduction gear is rotatably drivenby the pinion in the counter-clockwise direction at a substantiallyc0nstant speed. Post 16, fixedly coupled to the main mounting frame,serves to rotatably seat the speed reduction gear on the main mountingframe.

An escapement means 17 has a main gear 18 that meshes with and isrotatably driven in the clockwise direction by the speed reduction gear.The escapement means is utilized 'to translate the constant rotary speedfrom the stud. A second T-shaped arm 23 is pivotably coupled to the mainmounting frame by means of rivet 24. The second T-shaped arm includes afirst extremity '25 that rides on the rise and fall contours of thesecond cam 21. It is seen that the fall contour of the can would causethe T-shaped arm to be displaced toward stud 19 whereas the risecontours of the periphery of the cam would cause the T-shaped arm to bedisplaced away from the stud. The first T-shaped arm has connected toits opposite extremity an actuator block 26 and the second T-shaped armhas connected to its opposite extremity an actuator block 26. The risecontour of the cam causes the respective actuator block to be displacedout wardly from stud 19 so as to engage with and there after bias afollower arm 27 of the follower switch 2@ to the desired position tothereby achieve the desired subinterval actuation. The fall contour ofthe cam causes the T-shaped arm and its cooperatively associatedactuator block to be displaced toward stud 19. As a result thereof, theactuator block disengages follower arm 27. It is seen that the rise andfall contours of the cam may be designed soas to accommodate therequired sub-interval sequences. FIGURE 1 illustrates a single fall anda single rise contour on the cam but it is to be understood that anynumber of rise and fall contours may be utilized to achieve the desiredsub-interval sequence.

Ratchet wheel 29 of the escapement means has a plu rality of fingers 30extending upwardly which slid-ably interfit with apertures 31 of theunitary, drum-shaped switch actuating means 32. It is seen that theintermittent, clockwise displacement of the ratchet wheel in thehorizontal plane is transmitted to the drum-shaped switch actuating'means such that the switch actuating means is also rotationallydisplaced in the clockwise direction with an intermittent motion. Thedrum-shaped switch actuating means includes on the periphery thereof, aplurality of circumferential groove or channels 52 having rise and fallcontours. Each circumferential groove is in spaced paralled relationshipwith an adjacent circumferential groove. The switch actuating may bemolded as a unitary means or a plurality of individual cams joined byany suitable means such as by glue or the like. The switch actuatingmeans includes an axial bore 34. The bore surrounds and receives shaft35.

An'a'pertured end plate 36 is maintained in spaced parallel relationshipwith the main mounting frame by side walls 37 and 37. The side walls arestamped from the apertured plate and are at right angles therewith. Theside walls are coupled to the main mounting frame by any suitable meanssuch as a plurality of tabs 38 force fitting with apertures 39 of themain mounting frame. A centrally located aperture 40 in the end plateincludes press fitted therewith a sleeve 41. The sleeve has the dualpurpose of providing support for the shaft and of providing a seat for ahair spring index means 42. The opposite extremity of the shaft isslidably sea-ted in recess 43 of stud 19. It is seen that the recess ofthe stud substantially prevents deleterious horizontal oscillations ofthe shaft yet provides a seat within which the shaft may rotate.

As disclosed herein before, end plate 36 and sleeve 41 provide a forwardsupport for shaft 35. Sleeve 41 also serves as a means for retaining ameans for axially positioning the shaft. The hairpin spring index means42 is fixedly mounted to said sleeve. The hairpin spring index means ismounted in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theshaft. One extremity or finger 44 of the hairpin spring index meansinterfits with a slot cut into the sleeve means whereas the otherextremity or finger 44' engages the outer peripheral surface of thesleeve means. Extremity or finger 44 of the hairpin spring index meansengages one of the plurality of circumferential grooves 45 cut in theperiphery of the time-r shaft. The finger 44 is biased against the shaftthereby maintaining the shaft in a desired axial position. To alter theaxial position of the shaft, the shaft is pushed or pulled, depending onthe desired result or the initial axial position of the shaft, tothereby alter or change the axial position of the shaft. It is seen thatthe resilient finger 44 rides up the side of the circumferential grooveas the shaft is axially depressed. The finger being displaced from itsinitial position, stores energy as a result of the displacement. Uponreaching the apex between two adjacent circumferential grooves, thespring releases some of its stored energy as it slides down into theadjacent groove. Resting in the adjacent groove, the cooperativerelationship between the finger and the groove serves to axiallyposition the shaft.

A suitable line switch actuating means 46 is slidably retained to theunderside of end plate 36 by any suitable means such as rivets 24 or thelike. Each rivet is cooperatively associated with a slot ofpredetermined length which permits the line switch actuating means toslide along its longitudinal axis within limits as determined by thelength of the slots and the placement of the rivets 24" within saidslots. The line switch means (not shown) includes a contact carryingfollower arm that is biased to the engaged position with a contact of acontact carrying blade if the shaft and the line switch actuating meansare positioned as illustrated in FIGURE 4. When shaft 35 is pulledoutwardly a hollow splined actuator means 47 fixedly carried by theshaft and including a flange portion 48 that in turn engages with aramped portion 33 of the line switch actuating means to thereby displacethe line switch actuating means in the direction of arrow 49 so as tobias the contact carrying follower arm of the line switch to an open orelectrically nonconducting position. The contact carrying follower armstores energy therein as it is displaced in the direction of arrow 49 sothat when the shaft is depressed to again assume the position asillustrated in FIGURE 4, the energy stored in the follower arm isreleased thereby returning the follower arm to its initial or openposition.

FIGURE illustrates the cooperative relationship between the hollowsplined actuator means 47 and one of the cams of the switch actuatingmeans. It is seen that a plurality of ridges 50 extend along the outerperiphery of and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the splinedactuator means. The ridges interfit with slots 51 spaced about theperiphery of the bore 34. Rotational displacement of the splinedactuator means causes the ridges 6 thereof to engage with the slots ofthe switch actuating means thereby rotationally displacing the switchactuating means. Axial displacement of the splined actuator means doesnot cause axial displacement of the switch actuating means for theridges slide along the slots rather than engage the slots of the switchactuating means thereby allowing the switch actuating means to remain inits predetermined axial position.

A plurality of circumferential channels 52 are cut into the periphery ofthe switch actuating means. It is seen that each circumferential channelcontains therein rise and fall contours which determine the state ofactivation of a cooperatively associated follower arm riding thereon.The follower arm is biased so as to be riding on the contour or codedindicia of the channel at all times during the operation of the controltimer. Each channel is bordered by a circumferential spline 53. Thecircumferential splines serve to retain the follower arm in ridingengagement with the desired channel in the vertical plane. The followerarm is thereby prevented from losing riding engagement with theappropriate channel as a result of abusive handling or the like. Thecontours of the channel determine the state of activation of thefollower switch means 28 associated therewith.

FIGURE 3 illustrates a side view of the follower switch means 28. Thefollower switch means includes a con tact carrying follower arm 27 and afirst contact carrying blade 54 adjacent one side of the contact of thecontact carrying follower arm and a second contact carrying blade 54'adjacent the other side of the contact of the contact carrying followerarm. Assuming the follower switch is in the neutral or disengagedposition, displacement of the follower arm toward the shaft due to afall contour causes the contact of the follower arm to engage thecontact of the contact carrying blade 54. As the follower arm engages afirst rise contour and thereafter rises therealong as shown in FIGURE 3,the follower arm is biased to the neutral or open position asillustrated in FIGURE 3. Further clockwise rotation of the switchactuating means causes the follower arm to engage a second rise contourwhich biases the contact of the follower arm into engagement with thecontact of contact carrying blade 54'. It is emphasized that theforegoing sequence of operations of the follower switch of the presentinvention is merely descriptive and as such intended to facilitate thedescription of the present invention. The sequence of operations of thefollower switch is deteroperation of the program at a particularinterval of time.

FIGURE 5 shows the construction of the follower arm of the followerswitch. The follower arm 27 includes a Therefore, vertical displacementof the figure 4-shaped follower is transmitted to the contact carryingmember so as to displace the member in the vertical direction. At theend of the contact carrying member opposite the contact, the member hasa terminal 60 cut therein. As a result of cutting terminal 60 in themember, shoulders 61 and 61' are formed on the contact carrying member.The terminal carries thereon two nodes 62. The purpose of the shouldersand the nodes will be disclosed hereinlater. It is seen that theterminal is at a slight but predetermined angle with the mainlongitudinal axis of the contact carrying member.

FIGURE 3 illustrates a plug-in terminal assembly 63. The plug-interminal assembly includes block means 64 and follower switch 28. Theblock includes a plurality of U-shaped apertures 65 cut therein andhaving a width and length sufiicient to accommodate blades 54 and 54 andfollower arm 57 in a frictional interfitting relation such that undernormal conditions the components of the 7 follower switch are fixed inposition. The nodes of the follower arm and the blades interfit with theC-shaped apertures so as to substantially frictionally lock them to theblock. FIGURE 6 shows the nodes just prior to en gaging the block andthe position of the nodes when in the substantially locked position withthe block.

The block 64 includes a plurality of backbones 66 and a pair ofprojections 67 that are in spaced parallel relationship with each otherand the follower arm. It is seen that the slight angle of the terminalof the follower arm is sufficient to cause the figure 4-shaped followerto be spring biased against the appropriate channel of the switchactuating means. In a like manner the terminal portion of each of thecontact carrying blades are at a slight angle with the main bladeportion of their respective blades. The contact carrying blade is placedwithin the U-shaped aperture of the block so that the block portion isbiased against a surface of its respective projection 67 of the block.In this manner the contact carrying blades and the follower arm areretained in .a predetermined position so as to substantially eliminatethe problem of loose terminals yet allow accurate control of thealignment and of the spacing of the contacts.

The backbones of the block interfit with furrows 68 of the main mountingframe and furrows 68 of the end plate 36 so as to seat andpredeterminately locate the plug-in terminal assembly or module meanswith rapect to the switch actuating means. The plug-in terminal assemblyis so constructed that the assemblies located on either side of thedrive means may be interchanged by merely inverting the respectiveassembly so that the figure 4-shaped follower rides in the appropriatechannel of the switch actuating means.

FIGURES 7 and 9 show a means where-by a strip of wire 69 may be used tobus selected terminals to thereby provide an easy and convenient meansof interconnecting terminals of the plug-in terminal assembly. Theconfiguration of the plug-in terminal assembly all-owing substantiallyexternal bussing between terminals of selected follower switches permitsbussing after construction of the plug-in terminal assembly.

Having described the structure of the present invention, the cooperationbetween the described structural elements will be disclosed.

The control timer 10 has the plug-in terminal assemblies or modulesplaced in mating engagement with presently available cavity receptacles(not shown). To initiate the programmed cycle, shaft 35 is manuallydepressed. The inward axial movement of the shaft serves to activate aplurality of electrical and mechanical functions. The line switchactuating means disengages the line switch (not shown) thereby allowingthe contacts of that switch to engage. In so doing, electrical energy issupplied to the plug-in control timer. The drive means is activated bythe flow of electrical energy therethrough so as to rotate its pinion(not shown) in the clockwise direction. The pinion meshes with anddrives speed reduction gear at a constant speed in the counterclockwisedirection. The speed reduction meshes with and rotatably drives at aconstant rate of speed the main gear 18 of the escapement means 17. Theescapement means is utilized to translate the constant speed output ofthe drive means to an intermittent or step-by-step rotary motion output.The rotary motion output of the escapement means is transferred toratchet wheel 29 by the means described hereinbefore. It is seen thatthe intermittent motion of the ratchet wheel is transferred to theswitch actuating means 32 by means of the cooperative relationshipbetween fingers 30 and apertures 31. The figure 4-shaped follower ofeach respective follower switch is biased so as to be riding in itsrespective channel of the unitary drumshaped switch actuating means.

Intermittent motion of the switch actuating means causes either thefigure 4-shaped follower to ramp up a rise contour of the channel or tofall along the fall contour of the channel. The initial condition ofactuation of the follower depends on the position of the switchactuating means when the control timer is actuated. The position of therespective follower arm of the follower switches is determinative of theportion of the program called for by the plug-in control timer.

While the invention is illustrated and described in its preferredembodiment, it will be understood that modifications and variations maybe effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts ofthis invention and as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengagingcontacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals oftime during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently drivendrum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality ofcircumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channelsincluding rise and fall contours; a plurality of module means, each ofsaid module means including a plurality of follower switches includingcontacts, said follower switches riding in said channels andhaving saidcontacts biased to engagement or disengagement in accordance with saidcontours of said channel; sub-interval actuating means including cammeans driven at a constant speed, said cam means including rise and fallcontours, arm means including actuator block means riding on saidcontours of said cam means, said arm means displaced in accordance withsaid contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means toengage and disengage said contacts thereby reopening and delayingclosure of said contacts in response to the rotation of said cam meansso as to provide sub-interval programming; an axially positionable shaftrotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means; a line switch means; and aline switch actuating means operated by said shaft closing said lineswitch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

2. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging aplurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during aprogrammed cycle comprising: an intermittently driven apertureddrum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality ofcircumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channelsincluding rise and fall contours; a plurality of plug-in module means,each of said module means including a plurality of follower switches,each of said follower switches including contact carrying blade meansand a contact carrying follower arm means, said follower arm meansriding in said channel and biased into engagement with or disengagementwith said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contoursof said channel; a shaft projecting through said aperture of saiddrum-shaped means and axially displaceable independent of saiddrum-shaped means; a splined actuator means carried by said shaftconnecting said shaft to said drumshaped means during rotation of saidshaft thereby rotationally displacing said drum-shaped means; a lineswitch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splinedactuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressedaxially.

3. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging aplurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during aprogrammed cycle com prising: a drive means having a constant rotarymotion output; an escapement means coupled to and driven by said drivemeans, said escapement means translating said constant rotary motionoutput of said drive means to an intermittent rotary motion; a unitaryswitch actuating means coupled to and intermittently driven by saidescapement means, said unitary switch actuating means including aplurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship,said channels including rise and fall contours; a plurality of plug-inmodule means placed on both sides of said drive means, each of saidmodule means including a plurality of follower switches, each of saidfollower switches including contact carrying blade means and a contactcarrying follower arm means, said follower arm means riding in saidchannel and biased into engagement with or disengagement with saidcontact carrying blade means in accordance with said contours of saidchannel; sub-interval actuating means including cam means connected tosaid drive means and driven thereby at a constant speed, said cam meansincluding rise and fall contours, displaceable arm means includingactuator block means connected to one extremity of said arm means,another extremity of said arm means riding on said contours of said cammeans, said arm means displaced in accordance with said contours of saidcam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage atleast one of said follower arm means thereby reopening and delayingclosure of said follower arm means with said blade means in response tothe rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-intervalprogramming; an axially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to saiddrum-shaped means, said shaft carrying splined actuator means; a lineswitch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splinedactuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressedaxially.

4. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengagingcontacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals oftime during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently drivenunitary switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferentialchannels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including codedindicia; and a module means comprising a block means including aplurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contactcarrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carryingmember, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carryingmember, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures tobias said contact carry ing member against said projections, a contactcarrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contactcarrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contactcarrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shapedaperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward saidcontact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped followercarried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said followerarm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contactcarrying blade means in accordance with said coded indicia of saidchannels; and sub-interval actuating means including cam means driven ata constant speed, said cam means including rise and fall contours, armmeans including actuator block means riding on said contours of said cammeans, said arm means displaced in accordance with said contours of saidcam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage saidfollower arm thereby reopening and delaying closure of said follower armwith said blade means in response to the rotation of said cam means soas to provide sub-interval programming.

5. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengagingcontacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals oftime during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently drivendrum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality ofcircumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channelsincluding coded indicia; and a module means comprising a block meansincluding a plurality of U- shaped apertures and a pair of projections,a contact carrying blade means including terminal means and a contactcarrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contactcarrying member, said terminal means interfitting with said'U-shaped'apertures to bias said contact carrying member against saidprojections, a contact carrying follower arm means including a terminalmeans and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an anglewith said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting witha U-shaped aperture to bias said contact member of said follower armtoward said contact member of said blade means, anda figure 4-shapedfol- It) lower carried by said follower arm and riding in said channel,said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagement with saidcontact carrying blade means in accordance with said coded indicia ofsaid channels.

6. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengagingcontacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals oftime during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently drivendrum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality ofcircumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channelsincluding rise and fall contours; a module means mounted on each side ofsaid drive means, said module means comprising a block means including aplurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contactcarrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carryingmember, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carryingmember, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures tobias said contact carrying member against said projections, a contactcarrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contactcarrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contactcarrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shapedaperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward saidcontact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped followercarried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said followerarm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contactcarrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel;subinterval actuating means including cam means driven at a constantspeed, said cam means including rise and fail contours, a plurality ofpivotally displaceable T- shaped arm means including actuator blockmeans connected to one extremity of said T-shaped arm means, anotherextremity of said T-shaped arm means riding on said contours of said cammeans, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance with saidcontours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engageand disengage said follower arm thereby reopening and delaying closureof said follower arm with said blade means in response to the rotationof said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming; an axiallypositionable shaft rotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means; a lineswitch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said shaftclosing to said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

7. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging aplurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during aprogrammed cycle comprising: an intermittently driven drum-shaped switchactuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels inspaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fallcontours; a plug-in module means mounted on each side of said drivemeans, said module means comprising a block means including a pluralityof U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contact carryingblade means including terminal means and a contact carrying member, saidterminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, saidterminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures to bias saidcontact carrying member against said projections, a contact carryingfollower arm means including a terminal means and a contact carryingmember, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carryingmember, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shaped aperture tobias said contact member of said follower arm toward said contact memberof said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped follower carried by saidfollower arm and riding in said channel, said follower arm biased intoengagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade meansin accordance with said contours of said channel; subinterval actuatingmeans including cam means driven at a constant speed, said cam meansincluding rise and fall contours, a plurality of pivotally displaceableT-shaped arm means including L-shaped actuator block means connected toone extremity of said T-shaped arm means,

another extremity of said T-shaped arm means offset and riding on saidcontours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced inaccordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuatorblock means to engage and disengage said follower arm thereby reopeningand delaying closure of said follower arm with said contact carryingblade in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to providesub-interval programming; an axially positionable shaft rotatablycoupled to said drum-shaped means, said shaft carrying splined actuatormeans; a line switch means; and 'a line switch actuating means operatedby said splined actuator means closing said line switch means as saidshaft is depressed axially. a l V I i 8. A plug-in control timer forsequentially engaging and disengaginga plurality of follower switches atselected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: a drivemeans having a constant rotary motion output; an escapement meanscoupled to and driven by said drive means, said escapement meanstranslating said constant rotary motion output of said drive means to anintermittent rotary motion; an apertured unitary switch actuating meanscoupled to and intermittently driven by said escapement means, saidunitary switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferentialchannels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including riseand fall contours; a plug-in module means mounted on each side of saiddrive means, said module means comprising a block means including aplurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contactcarrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carryingmember, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carryingmember, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures tobias said contact carrying member against said projections, a contactcarrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contactcarrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contactcarrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shapedaperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward saidcontact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped followercarried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said followerarm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contactcarrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel; ashaft projecting through said aperture of said switch actuating meansand axially displaceable independent of said switch actuating means; asplined actuator means carried by said shaft connecting said shaft tosaid switch actuating means during rotation of said shaft therebyrotationally displacing said switch actuating means; a line switchmeans; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splinedactuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressedaxially.

9. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging aplurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during aprogrammed cycle comprising: a drive means having a constant rotarymotion output; an escapement means coupled to and driven by said drivemeans, said escapement means translating said constant rotary motionoutput of said drive means to an intermittent rotary motion; adrum-shaped switch actuating means coupled to and intermittently drivenby said escapement means, said drum-shaped switch actuating meansincluding a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallelrelationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plug-inmodule means mounted on each side of said drive means, said module meanscomprising a block means including a plurality of U-shaped apertures anda pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminalmeans and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an anglewith said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting withsaid U-shaped apertures to bias said contact carrying member againstsaid projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including aterminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at anangle with said contact carrying member, said terminal meansinterfitting with a U-sl1aped aperture to bias said contact member ofsaid follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, and afigure 4-shaped follower carried by said follower arm and riding in saidchannel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagementwith said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contoursof said channel; sub-interval actuating means including cam meansdrivenby said drive means at a constant speed, said earn means including riseand fall contours, arm means including actuator block means riding onsaid contours of said cam means, said arm means displaced in accordancewith said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block meansto engage and disengage said follower arm thereby reopening and delayingclosure of said follower arm with said blade means in response to therotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming; anaxially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means,said shaft carrying splined actuator means; a line switch means; and aline switch actuating means operated by said splined actuator meansclosing said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

10. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging aplurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during aprogrammed cycle comprising: a drive means having a constant rotarymotion output; an escapement means coupled to and driven by said drivemeans, said escapement means translating said constant rotary motionoutput of said drive means to an intermittent rotary motion; adrum-shaped switch actuating means coupled to and intermittently drivenby said escapement means, said drum-shaped switch actuating meansincluding a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallelrelationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plug-inmodule means mounted on each side of said drive means, said module meanscomprising a block means includinga plurality of U-shaped apertures anda pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminalmeans and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an anglewith said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting withsaid U-shaped apertures to bias said contact carrying member againstsaid projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including aterminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at anangle with said contact carrying member, said terminal meansinterfitting with a U-shaped aperture to bias said contact member ofsaid follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, and afigure 4-shaped follower carried by said follower arm and riding in saidchannel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagementwith said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contoursof said channel; sub-interval actuating means including cam meansconnected to said drive means and driven at a constant speed, said cammeans including rise and fall cont-ours, pivotally displaceable T-shapedarm means including actuator block means connected to one extremity ofsaid arm means, another extremity of said T-shaped arm means riding onsaid contours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced inaccordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuatorblock means to engage and disengage said follower arm thereby reopeningand delayng closure of said follower arm with said blade means inresponse to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-intervalprogramming; an axially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to saiddrum-shaped means, said shaft carrying splined actuator means; a lineswitch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splinedactuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressedaxially.

11. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means comprising arotatably driven gear, an escapement means connected to said gear, saidescapement means indexing said switch actuating means in an intermittentfashion at determined intervals, switch means opened and closed by saidindexing of said switch actuating means, and subinterval actuating meansincluding cam means connected to said gear and rotatable therewith, saidcam means including rise and fall contours, arm means including actuatorblock means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm meansdisplaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causingsaid actuator block means to engage and disengage said switch meansthereby reopening and delaying closure of said switch means in responseto the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-intervalprogramming.

12. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means comprising arotatably driven gear, an escapement means connected to said gear, saidescapement means indexing said switch actuating means in an intermittentfashion at determined intervals, switch means opened and closed by saidindexing of said switch actuating means, and subinterval actuating meansincluding cam means connected to said gear and rotatable therewith, saidcam means including rise and fall contours, pivotally displaceable armmeans including actuator block means connected to one extremity of saidarm means, another extremity of said arm means riding on said contoursof said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance withsaid contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means toengage and disengage said switch means thereby reopening and delayingclosure of said switch means in response to the rotation of said cammeans so as to provide sub-interval programming.

13. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means by said indexing ofsaid switch actuating means, and subinterval actuating means includingcam means connected to said gear and rotatable therewith, said cam meansincluding rise and fall contours, a plurality of pivotally displaceableT-shaped arm means including actuator block means connected to oneextremity of said T-shaped arm means, another extremity of said T-shapedarm means 14. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating meanscomprising a rotatably driven gear, an escapement means gonnected tosaid gear, said escapement means indexing said switch actuating means inan intermittent fashion at determined intervals, follower switch meansincluding displaceable contact carrying follower means and fixed contactcarrying means, said fol-lower arm means opened and closed with saidfixed cont-act carrying means by said indexing of said switch actuatingmeans, and subinterval actuating means including cam means connected tosaid gear and rotatable therewith, said cam means including rise andfall contours, a plurality of pivotally displaceable T-shaped arm meansincluding actuator block means connected to one extremity of saidT-shaped arm means, another extremity of said T-shaped arm means ridingon said contours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displacedin accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuatorblock means to engage and disengage said follower arm means therebyreopening and delaying closure of said follower arm means with saidfixed contact carrying means of said switch means in response to therotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming.

15. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means comprising arotatably driven gear, an escapement means connected to said gear, saidescapement means indexing said switch actuating means in an intermittentfashion at determined intervals, follower switch means includingdisplaceable contact carrying follower means and fixed contact carryingmeans, said follower arm means opened and closed with said fixed contactcarrying arm means by said indexing of said switch actuating means, andsub-interval actuating means including cam means connected to said gearand rotatable therewith, said cam means including rise and fallcontours, a plurality of pivotally displaceable T-shaped arm meansincluding L- shaped actuator block means connected to one extremity ofsaid T-shaped arm means oifset and riding on said contours of said cammeans, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance with saidcontours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engageand disengage said follower arm means thereby reopening and delayingclosure of said follower arm means with said fixed contact carryingmeans of said switch means in response to the rotation of said cam meansso as to provide sub-interval programming.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS BERNARD A.GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

G. J. MAIER, E SPRINGBORN,

' Assistant Examiners,

1. A PLUG-IN CONTROL TIMER FOR SEQUENTIALLY ENGAGING AND DISENGAGINGCONTACTS OF A PLURALITY OF FOLLOWER SWITCHES AT SELECTED INTERVALS OFTIME DURING A PROGRAMMED CYCLE COMPRISING: AN INTERMITTENTLY DRIVENDRUM-SHAPED SWITCH ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OFCIRCUMFERENTIAL CHANNELS IN SPACED PARALLEL RELATIONSHIP, SAID CHANNELSINCLUDING RISE AND FALL CONTOURS; A PLURALITY OF MODULE MEANS, EACH OFSAID MODULE MEANS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF FOLLOWER SWITCHES INCLUDINGCONTACTS, SAID FOLLOWER SWITCHES RIDING IN SAID CHANNELS AND HAVING SAIDCONTACTS BIASED TO ENGAGEMENT OR DISENGAGEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAIDCONTOURS OF SAID CHANNEL; SUB-INTERVAL ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING CAMMEANS DRIVEN AT A CONSTANT SPEED, SAID CAM MEANS INCLUDING RISE AND FALLCONTOURS, ARM MEANS INCLUDING ACTUATOR BLOCK MEANS RIDING ON SAIDCONTOURS OF SAID CAM MEANS, SAID ARM MEANS DISPLACED IN ACCORDANCE WITHSAID CONTOURS OF SAID CAM MEANS CAUSING SAID ACTUATOR BLOCK MEANS TOENGAGE AND DISENGAGE SAID CONTACTS THEREBY REOPENING AND DELAYINGCLOSURE OF SAID CONTACTS IN RESPONSE TO THE ROTATION OF SAID CAM MEANSSO AS TO PROVIDE SUB-INTERVAL PROGRAMMING; AN AXIALLY POSITIONABLE SHAFTROTATABLY COUPLED TO SAID DRUM-SHAPED MEANS; A LINE SWITCH MEANS; AND ALINE SWITCH ACTUATING MEANS OPERATED BY SAID SHAFT CLOSING SAID LINESWITCH MEANS AS SAID SHAFT IS DEPRESSED AXIALLY.